Gwynedd suspension threat over short taxi journeys

GWYNEDD Council has issued a threat of suspension to taxi drivers across the county.

The statement comes after complaints that operators are “cherrypicking fares” by refusing short journeys.

It is reported that only a minority of taxi drivers across the county are picking and choosing their customers.

The issue of selected fares are specifically happening outside late night bars and nightclubs, putting vulnerable people at risk, the council said.

The council warned drivers who chose fares based on getting payments for longer journeys faced being suspended.

An email sent to all operators by Gwynedd Council Public Protection said: “Dear licence holder, the council has received complaints that taxi drivers are refusing short journeys, especially outside nightclubs.

“It is important that everyone has access to a reliable taxi service to get them home safely.

“Only a minority of taxis in Gwynedd pick and choose customers, giving the taxi industry a bad name in general.

“Not only is this practice illegal, it endangers the safety of customers. This exercise also undermines the efforts of private hire and taxi drivers who work hard to operate within the law providing a highquality service in Gwynedd.

“Public safety is of utmost importance to Gwynedd Council.

“The council will target areas, pubs and clubs and raise awareness of the problem and encourage businesses to highlight the situation to their customers.

“Taxi drivers in Gwynedd who ‘cherrypick’ passengers in an attempt to get more payments for longer journeys face being suspended.

“In addition to the above, members of the public have reported that on some occasions pre-booked taxis haven’t turned up.

“If you are using a mobile application (APP) that allows customers to book taxis then you must honour those bookings.”